By COLlive staff
Yad Menachem, a non-profit organization that focuses on innovative solutions to spread the Rebbe’s teachings to the international community, has published Umedayeik BaMaamar, a publication of Basi Legani 5722 in the Rebbe’s original Yiddish wording, which is being studied in connection with Yud Shevat this year.
Yad Menachem, directed by Rabbi Velvel Adler, published the Basi Legani publication first in 5776 on Basi Legani 5716, and since then has been publishing a new installment annually on each year’s Basi Legani.
The extensive research and writing of the Sefer are done primarily by the Director of Yad Menachem, Rabbi Velvel Adler.
Following the Baal Shem Tov’s example, the custom of our Rebbeim has always been to recite their Maamorim (Chassidic Discourses) in the Yiddish language; and for the discourses to be transcribed and published in Hebrew.
Starting with the Mitteler Rebbe, and continuing through the Previous Rebbe, the discourses were generally transcribed by each Rebbe personally. The Rebbe reverted to the Alter Rebbe’s approach (similar to that of the Baal Shem Tov and the Mezritcher Magid) – to have certain venerable Chassidim serve as the primary transcribers. Over the years, the Rebbe personally edited the transcription of approximately 15% of the discourses that he delivered. The majority, though, are studied from their unedited transcriptions, in keeping with the above custom.
In a 5741 talk, however, discussing the virtues of the Yiddish precursor of “Lessons in Tanya”, the Rebbe made an interesting statement (Likutei Sichos vol. 21, p. 448 – free translation): “In order to understand the true intent of the “Divrei Torah” of our Rebbeim, it is not sufficient to study them as they have been translated into Loshon HaKodesh (Hebrew) by others, rather we must examine the words that they said in Yiddish.”
With this in mind, Umedayeik BaMaamar provides a full transcription of the Rebbe’s original Yiddish wording of the discourse Basi Legani 5722, which is being studied in connection with Yud Shevat this year. The result of extensive research, the Sefer contains comprehensive notation and commentary, revealing hundreds of previously unknown sources that the Rebbe appears to be quoting, oftentimes verbatim, and demonstrates how each and every nuance in the discourse adds new layers of meaning.
Among the many topics which are explored in this year’s Sefer, is the Rebbe’s explanation of the words of Ne’ilah and Hoshanos “Otzarcha HaTov Lanu Tiftach,” and the unusual manner in which the Rebbe pauses between the words “Otzarcha HaTov” and “Lanu Tiftach,” seemingly contrary to the Frierdiker Rebbe’s instruction to connect the words “HaTov” and “Lanu.” The discussion continues at length in the addendum in the back of the Sefer called Milu’im (for note 68), and concludes with a new suggestion as to how the Rebbe may interpret Basi Legani 5710 and the above instruction of the Frierdiker Rebbe.
Click here to download the full publication.
